Basics in maximising the mobile market for your business

Setting up a business is a lengthy and difficult task. You have to do feasibility studies, make proposals, apply for permits, etc., not to mention hiring a lot of people along the way. It’s a serious undertaking, but it’s a great investment.

Today, given that millions of people have their own smartphones, there's no doubt that the mobile community is a massive marketplace. Last year, statistics showed that there were over 1.8 billion smartphone users worldwide. That’s the potential market you have to target.

Learn how to utilise this channel to help grow and maintain your business.

Let your presence be felt

Amongst thousands of businesses out there, the most important step is to get a user’s attention. This is the same as handing out flyers, posters, and inviting people to try out your product; the difference being you’ll be doing it digitally.

Utilise social media channels and increase your posts, even if some of these are not necessarily about business. What matters is that other people feel your presence online. Connect with more people by commenting on their posts as well. You can then casually mention or flat-out promote your business when you feel that it’s appropriate.

If you have a website, invest in creating a mobile-friendly version of it for ease of use. In setting up your mobile site, integrate the proper keywords so that customers can easily find your product or business when browsing. If you don’t have a website at all, then make do with social media business pages like on Facebook for instance.

You can also announce special offers to further increase your chances of catching people’s attention. Make your campaign materials interesting, brief and concise as much as possible. You can do e-posters, video ads, etc. Visual content is powerful considering that smartphone screens get better every year.

For instance, premium handsets such as the upcoming iPhone 7 have an upgraded retina screen which tech resource O2 describes as “the brightest, most colourful iPhone display yet.” Turn these technologies into your advantage by spreading out visually appealing marketing materials. However, be sure to make them universally compatible if you can, as you never know what type of smartphone each customer is using.

Show customers they’re important

This is obviously how every business should be, but sometimes business owners tend to focus more in worrying about getting a sale that they inadvertently forget what it’s like to be in the shoes of a customer.

In terms of mobile marketing, learn the different communication channels and align them with your customers’ preferences. Some like to talk through e-mails or social media, others send SMS or prefer calls, and then there are those who just browse sites and order online. Establish trust and good customer service by engaging actively with them, regardless of whether it’s a simple inquiry or a purchase order.

Put out a sufficient number of photos of your products so that users can extensively look at various items. These images can even give them a demo already in some cases.

Pay attention to location

A survey found that 80% of users are willing to share location data with brands to get alerts and notifications. You can make your marketing location-based through ‘hyperlocalised marketing’ to amplify your chances of drawing in customers. Use analytic tools and geolocation technology to provide customers with personalised and relevant information.

Shoppers prefer to buy from businesses near them due to various reasons: a) to get what they need faster and, b) in case there are delays, product returns or other problems, it’s easier to reach the merchant.

You can also host local sales events such as discounts for residents in your city when shopping through your mobile site or app to draw in more customers. Give the people around your area an edge as they are your nearest potential buyers.

Security is everything

Lastly, don’t forget to provide security for both your business and your customers. Make sure mobile security is tight in your mobile site or app.

Furthermore, set up secure payment options and partner with reputable courier companies if you’re shipping out products. Afterwards, give your customers the necessary info and updates such as shipment tracking.

You can set up a mobile database and create automated SMS systems, but if you can’t, take the time to do it manually. Remember that you have to let the customer feel confident about their purchase.

The mobile market is definitely a place you shouldn’t leave out if you wish to succeed in your business. Armed with the right tools and knowledge, engaging customers through their smartphones will surely be a fruitful process.